How do you harmonize the C major scale?

To harmonize C major, stack thirds from each scale degree to build diatonic chords. This produces triads and seventh chords that naturally fit within the key of C major.

C major chords

All guitar chords for the C major scale

Show scale diagram ↓

Chord Voicings

Harmony

Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.

C major scale diatonic chords

IC major

IID minor

IIIE minor

IVF major

VG major

VIA minor

VIIB dim

C major scale seventh chords

IC maj7

IID m7

IIIE m7

IVF maj7

VG 7

VIA m7

VIIB m7♭5

scale

Fretboard diagram

C major scale — chords and intervals

Harmonizing the C major scale produces the most foundational chord family in Western music. The diatonic chords follow a major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-diminished pattern that has powered countless hit songs. The chords built from C major are Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7, Am7, Bm7b5. The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of pop, rock, and country, while the I-V-vi-IV pattern has become the most popular progression in modern songwriting. Use the ii chord as a gentle pre-dominant and the vii° as a passing tension. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer.

The C major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.

Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.

Diatonic chords: Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7, Am7, Bm7b5.

Degrees	Chord
I	Cmaj7
ii	Dm7
iii	Em7
IV	Fmaj7
V	G7
vi	Am7
vii°	Bm7b5

Degree-by-Degree Analysis

The I chord (Cmaj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Dm7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Em7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Fmaj7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Am7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bm7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.

This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.

Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C major scale on guitar.

Related Scales

How to Use This Scale

Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.